Chain disk corner

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a chain disk corner. In certain embodiments, the chain disk corner includes a bi-directional orientation independent chain disk corner wheel. In particular, the wheel is molded and devoid of moving parts. In certain embodiments, the chain disk corner includes a window portion. In particular, a bottom housing subassembly includes a bottom body of an opaque material and a hingedly attached window portion. In certain embodiments, the chain disk corner includes a reinforcing washer. In particular, a top washer is attached by injection molding to an interior of the top body, and/or a bottom washer is attached by injection molding to an interior of the bottom body. In certain embodiments, the chain disk corner includes a top surface devoid of pockets. In particular, a top body includes a plurality of ribs positioned at an interior surface of the top body.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a feed delivery system, and more particularlyto a chain disk corner for a feed delivery system.

BACKGROUND

Livestock feed systems allow for large scale, simultaneous delivery oflivestock feed from a central storage container to multiple animals,which may be housed in separate enclosures and buildings at a farm orother livestock management facility. Some systems use a chain diskconveyor to move feed along a feed path toward one or more outlets. Somefeed paths are formed by a plurality of tubes and corner housings. Achain with a plurality of disks positioned generally perpendicularlythereon is placed within the feed path. As the chain and correspondingdisks move through the tubes and corner housings, the disks on the chainpush feed from the central storage container (or feed hopper) throughthe feed path. An advantage of chain disk conveyors is that they providean enclosed system that can operate at various angles and variousplanes.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feed system 100 including a pluralityof chain disk corners 102. In particular, the feed system 100 includesone or more feed hoppers 104, tubing 106 (may also be referred to as achain disk line, chain disk tubing, etc.), chain disk corners 102, and aplurality of feed drops 108 (may also be referred to as feed outlets).The feed hoppers 104 house feed (or other particulate) in bulk. The feedhoppers 104 may deliver feed by gravity to the tubing 106 at a bottom ofthe feed hopper 104. The tubing 106 and chain disk corners 102 form afeed path for delivering the feed from the feed hopper 104 to thevarious feed drops 108. However, corner housings 102 used in these chaindisk conveyor systems suffer from a number of deficiencies.

Some corner housings 102 are entirely opaque, which prevents viewing theinterior of the housing, such as to inspect any potential problemsand/or confirm proper operation of the wheel within the housing. Whilesome corner housings 102 may be entirely transparent, such cornerhousings 102 are typically prone to cracking and breaking, as thetransparent material (e.g., transparent plastic material) tends to beweaker and less robust than the opaque materials (e.g., opaque plasticmaterial), as transparent materials may be limited to certain resins.Further, some corner housings 102 are of a clamshell configuration, suchthat accessing the interior of the housing may be time consuming anddifficult. For example, opening the corner housing 102 may requireremoving the corner housing 102 from the feed path to remove the tophalf of the housing from the bottom half of the housing. Often, thewheel assembly is mounted to the top half and/or bottom half of thehousing, which may further complicate this process.

Some corner housings 102 include radially extending ribs on the exteriorof the housing to provide structural support and rigidity to thehousing. These ribs are typically on the exterior of the housing forease of manufacturing (e.g., mold construction). However, external ribsmay form pockets on the top half of the housing, which may collect dust,dirt, water, and/or other particulate. Such accumulation is generallyundesirable and may even affect proper operation of the corner housing102, such as by pooling next to the axle, seeping into the housing,and/or interfering with operation of the wheel.

The wheel assembly may be mounted at a seat within the housing. Load andoperation of the wheel assembly within the housing may deflect andincrease structural stress at the mounting point of the housing. Thismay lead to cracking, breaking, or other structural damage to the cornerhousing 102.

Some corner housings 102 include a self-cleaning wheel which may beconfigured to redirect any feed that has accumulated within the housingback into the feed path. However, some self-cleaning wheels includemoving parts, operation of which may be negatively affected byaccumulation of feed particulate within those moving parts. Someself-cleaning wheels may be orientation dependent, where theself-cleaning wheel has a designated top and bottom, and cannot functionproperly if positioned upside down. Further, some self-cleaning wheelsmay be directionally dependent, where the wheel cannot self-cleanclockwise and counter-clockwise. Such limitations hinder installation,maintenance, and repair of corner housings.

No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes priorart. Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge the accuracyand pertinency of any cited documents.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a bi-directional orientation independent chain disk cornerwheel. In particular, the wheel is molded and devoid of moving parts.The wheel relies on the geometry thereof to create a sweep path todirect feed grain or other material from an interior of the wheel to anexterior of the wheel. The wheel can self-clean regardless of whetherthe wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwisedirection. Further, the wheel can self-clean regardless of whether thewheel is in an upright orientation or an inverted orientation.Accordingly, the wheel and corresponding chain disk corner are easier toassemble, install, repair, and maintain.

Disclosed is a chain disk corner with a window portion. In particular,the chain disk corner includes a bottom housing subassembly thatincludes a bottom body of an opaque material and a window portion of atranslucent material that is hingedly attached to the bottom body. Byforming only a portion of the bottom body out of the translucentmaterial, the chain disk corner maintains robustness and strength whilestill providing visual access to an interior of the chain disk housingduring operation of the chain disk housing. Further, the window providesselective access to an interior of the housing, even during operation ofthe chain disk housing.

Disclosed is a chain disk corner housing with a reinforcing washer. Inparticular, a top body of the chain disk corner housing includes a topwasher attached by injection molding to an interior of the top body,and/or a bottom body of the chain disk corner housing includes a bottomwasher attached by injection molding to an interior of the bottom body.The top body and the bottom body are made of plastic and the top washerand bottom washer are made of metal, which is stronger and more rigidthan plastic (although heavier and more expensive). In this way, the topwasher and the bottom washer increase the strength and rigidity at thepoint of attachment of a wheel assembly within the chain disk cornerhousing.

Disclosed is a chain disk corner with a top surface devoid of pockets.In particular, a top body of a chain disk corner housing includes aplurality of ribs positioned at an interior surface of the top body. Inthis way, the chain disk corner maintains robustness and strength, butavoids any material accumulation, such as particulate, feed, or water,on top of the chain disk corner housing.

One embodiment is directed to a wheel for a chain disk corner comprisinga central hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes. The central hub extendsalong a center axis. The central hub defines a central hole to receivean axle therethrough to rotatably mount the wheel within the chain diskcorner. The rim has a circular sidewall to route a disk chain throughthe chain disk corner. The circular sidewall has a top edge and a bottomedge opposite the top edge. A portion of the bottom edge is recessed todefine at least one bottom passage in the circular sidewall. A pluralityof spokes is circumferentially positioned around the central hub. Eachof the plurality of spokes has an inner end connected to the central huband an outer end connected to the rim. At least one of the plurality ofspokes defines a first upright sweeping surface and a second uprightsweeping surface opposite the first upright sweeping surface. The firstupright sweeping surface and the second upright sweeping surface areconfigured to contact material accumulated within the wheel at a bottominner surface of the chain disk corner when the wheel is in an uprightconfiguration. The first upright sweeping surface is configured todirect the material through the at least one bottom passage outside thewheel as the wheel rotates in a clockwise direction. The second uprightsweeping surface is configured to direct the material through the atleast one bottom passage outside the wheel as the wheel rotates in acounter-clockwise direction.

Another embodiment is directed to a wheel for a chain disk cornercomprising a central hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes. The centralhub extends along a center axis. The central hub defines a central holeto receive an axle therethrough to rotatably mount the wheel to thechain disk corner. The rim has a circular sidewall to route a disk chainthrough the chain disk corner. The plurality of spokes iscircumferentially positioned around the central hub. Each of theplurality of spokes has a proximal end connected to the central hub anda second end connected to the rim. The wheel is devoid of moving parts.The wheel is configured for bi-directional self-cleaning by rotationaround a central axis of the wheel.

One embodiment is directed to a chain disk corner comprising a chaindisk corner housing and a wheel. The chain disk corner housing comprisesa top body, a bottom body, and a window. The top body comprises a topwheel portion and a top channel proximate the top wheel portion. Thebottom body is attached to the top body. The bottom body comprises anopaque material. The bottom body comprises a bottom wheel portion and abottom channel proximate the bottom wheel portion. The bottom channeland the top channel together define an angled channel for routing a diskchain therethrough. The window is attached to the bottom body. Thewindow comprises a translucent material to provide visual access to aninterior of the chain disk corner housing. The wheel is rotatablymounted to and positioned within the top wheel portion and the bottomwheel portion to route the disk chain through the angled channel. Thetop wheel portion is complementary in size and shape to a combination of(i) the bottom wheel portion of the bottom body and (ii) the window.

One embodiment is directed to a chain disk corner comprising a chaindisk corner housing comprising a first body, a second body, a firstwasher, and a wheel. The first body comprises a first wheel portion anda first channel proximate the first wheel portion. The first bodycomprises a first material. The first wheel portion defines a firstcenter hole. The second body is attached to the first body. The secondbody comprises a second wheel portion and a second channel proximate thesecond wheel portion. The second body comprises the first material. Thefirst channel and the second channel together define an angled channelfor routing a disk chain therethrough. The first washer is non-rotatablyattached to a first inner surface of the first wheel portion about thefirst center hole. The first washer comprises a second material havinggreater strength and rigidity than the first material. The first washeris configured to increase a strength and rigidity around the firstcenter hole. The wheel is rotatably mounted and positioned within thefirst wheel portion and the second wheel portion to route the disk chainthrough the angled channel.

One embodiment is directed to a chain disk corner, comprising a chaindisk corner housing comprising a top body. The top body comprises a topwheel portion to at least partially enclose and rotatably mount a wheeltherein and a top channel proximate the top wheel portion to at leastpartially enclose a portion of a disk chain therein. The top wheelportion comprises a top surface devoid of pockets to prevent materialaccumulation on the top surface.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described herein, including the detailed descriptionwhich follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary, and areintended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the natureand character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included toprovide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitutea part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or moreembodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explainprinciples and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feed system including a plurality ofchain disk corners;

FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective assembled view of a chain disk corneraccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a top perspective assembled view of the chain disk corner ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an exploded top perspective view of the chain disk corner ofFIG. 2A, including a housing and a wheel assembly contained within thehousing;

FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the housing topsubassembly of FIGS. 2A-2C;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a top body of the housing topsubassembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the top body of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a bottom perspective view of the top body of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a bottom view of the top body of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional side view of the top body of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4F is an enlarged top view of a latch mount of the top body of FIG.4A;

FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional side view of the latch mount of FIG. 4F;

FIG. 5A is a top view of a housing gasket of the housing top subassemblyof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5B is a left side view of the housing gasket of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a front view of the housing gasket of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a retainer clip of the housing topsubassembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6B is a side view of a lever of the retainer clip of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a top view of a wire of the retainer clip of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of a housing bottomsubassembly of FIGS. 2A-2C;

FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective view of a bottom body of the housingbottom subassembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the bottom body of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a top perspective view of the bottom body of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a top view of the bottom body of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional side view of the bottom body of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a window of the housing bottomsubassembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the window of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the window of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional side view of the window of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9E is a back view of the window of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a window gasket of the housing bottom subassembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a wheel assembly of FIG. 2A-2C;

FIG. 11B is a top view of a wheel of the wheel assembly of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a bottom view of the wheel of the wheel assembly of FIG.11A;

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional side view of the wheel of the wheelassembly of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is an exploded top perspective view of the chain disk corner ofFIGS. 2A-2C illustrating assembly of the chain disk corner;

FIG. 12B is a top perspective assembled view of the chain disk corner ofFIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is a bottom perspective view of the chain disk corner of FIG.12A with the window in a closed position;

FIG. 12D is a top view of the wheel of the wheel assembly of FIG. 12Aillustrating movement of a feed grain from an interior to an exterior ofthe wheel when the wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction;

FIG. 12E is a top view of the wheel of the wheel assembly of FIG. 12Aillustrating movement of a feed grain from the interior to the exteriorof the wheel when the wheel is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction;

FIG. 12F is a side view of the chain disk corner of FIG. 12A with theretainer clip in a closed position;

FIG. 12G is a side view of the chain disk corner of FIG. 12A with theretainer clip in an open position; and

FIG. 12H is a bottom perspective view of the chain disk corner of FIG.12A with the window in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,”“horizontal,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “vertical,” “lateral,”“coplanar,” and similar terms are used for convenience of describing theattached figures and are not intended to limit this description. Forexample, terms such as “left side” and “right side” are used withspecific reference to the drawings as illustrated and the embodimentsmay be in other orientations in use. Further, as used herein, terms suchas “horizontal,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “vertical,” “lateral,”etc., include slight variations that may be present in working examples.

Disclosed is a bi-directional orientation independent chain disk cornerwheel. In particular, the wheel is molded and devoid of moving parts.The wheel relies on the geometry thereof to create a sweep path todirect feed grain or other material from an interior of the wheel to anexterior of the wheel. The wheel can self-clean regardless of whetherthe wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwisedirection. Further, the wheel can self-clean regardless of whether thewheel is in an upright orientation or an inverted orientation.Accordingly, the wheel and corresponding chain disk corner are easier toassemble, install, repair, and maintain.

Disclosed is a chain disk corner with a window portion. In particular,the chain disk corner includes a bottom housing subassembly thatincludes a bottom body of an opaque material and a window portion of atranslucent material that is hingedly attached to the bottom body. Byforming only a portion of the bottom body out of the translucentmaterial, the chain disk corner maintains robustness and strength whilestill providing visual access to an interior of the chain disk housingduring operation of the chain disk housing. Further, the window providesselective access to an interior of the housing, even during operation ofthe chain disk housing.

Disclosed is a chain disk corner housing with a reinforcing washer. Inparticular, a top body of the chain disk corner housing includes a topwasher attached by injection molding to an interior of the top body,and/or a bottom body of the chain disk corner housing includes a bottomwasher attached by injection molding to an interior of the bottom body.The top body and the bottom body are made of plastic and the top washerand bottom washer are made of metal, which is stronger and more rigidthan plastic (although heavier and more expensive). In this way, the topwasher and the bottom washer increase the strength and rigidity at thepoint of attachment of a wheel assembly within the chain disk cornerhousing.

Disclosed is a chain disk corner with a top surface devoid of pockets.In particular, a top body of a chain disk corner housing includes aplurality of ribs positioned at an interior surface of the top body. Inthis way, the chain disk corner maintains robustness and strength, butavoids any material accumulation, such as particulate, feed, or water,on top of the chain disk corner housing.

FIGS. 2A-2C are views of a chain disk corner 200 according to oneembodiment. The chain disk corner 200 (may also be referred to as achain disk corner, corner wheel unit, etc.) includes a housing 202 (mayalso be referred to as housing assembly, etc.) with a wheel assembly 204positioned therein. The housing 202 includes a housing top subassembly206 (may also be referred to as a housing top, top subassembly, tophalf, etc.) and a housing bottom subassembly 208 (may also be referredto as a housing bottom, bottom subassembly, bottom half, etc.) definingan interior 210. In particular, the wheel assembly 204 is positionedbetween and contained within the housing top subassembly 206 and thehousing bottom subassembly 208.

The interior 210 formed by the top housing subassembly 206 and thebottom housing subassembly 208 includes a wheel cavity 212 for housingthe wheel assembly 204 and an angled channel 214 (may also be referredto as a feed channel, etc.) proximate the wheel cavity 212 forcontaining the disk chain. The angled channel 214 directs the disk chainpositioned within the angled channel 214 as the disk chain moves throughthe angled channel 214. The angled channel 214 includes a first opening216 (e.g., an inlet) defining a first axis A2 at a first end of theangled channel 214 and a second opening 218 (e.g., an outlet) defining asecond axis B2 at a second end of the angled channel 214. The firstopening 216 (and first axis A2) is positioned 90 degrees from the secondopening 218 (and second axis B2) about a central axis C2. In this way, adisk chain may be positioned within and fed through the first opening216 through the angled channel 214 and through the second opening 218.Accordingly, the chain disk corner 200 redirects the disk chain andcorresponding feed path by 90 degrees. The wheel assembly 204 ispositioned within the wheel cavity 212 and mounted to the housing 202 tofreely rotate therein. The wheel assembly 204 keeps the feed within theangled channel 214, keeps the disk chain taught, and freely rotates withthe disk chain to route the disk chain through the angled channel 214(as the disk chain is pulled through the angled channel 214).

FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the housing topsubassembly 206 of FIGS. 2A-2C. The housing top subassembly 206 includesa top body 300, a top reinforcing washer 302 (may also be referred to asa stiffening washer) (see FIGS. 4C-4D) to increase the structuralstrength and rigidity where the wheel assembly 204 mounts to the topbody 300, a housing gasket 304 attached to the top body 300 to form aseal with the housing bottom subassembly 206B, and a plurality ofretainer clips 306 (may also be referred to as latches) to releasablyengage the bottom subassembly 208 and provide tool-less entry to theinterior 210 of the chain disk corner 200. The housing top subassembly206 further includes a top washer 308 and a top nut 310 to engage thewheel assembly 204, thereby mounting the wheel assembly 204 to the topbody 300 of the housing top subassembly 206.

FIGS. 4A-4G are views of the top body 300 of the housing top subassembly206 of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4E, the top body 300 includes a topsurface 400 (may also be referred to as an exterior surface) and aninterior surface 402 (may also be referred to as a bottom surface)opposite to the top surface 400. The top body 300 further includes awheel portion 404 which partially defines the wheel cavity 212 (seeFIGS. 2A-2C) and a channel portion 406 proximate the wheel portion 404which partially defines the angled channel 214 (see FIGS. 2A-2C).

The wheel portion 404 includes a top wall 408 with a peripheral wall 410extending at least partially around the top wall 408. In particular, thetop wall 408 is surrounded by a combination of the channel portion 406and the peripheral wall 410. Further, the top wall 408 defines a topcenter hole 412 extending through the top wall 408 from the top surface400 to the interior surface 402. The top surface defines an externalseat 414 surrounding the top center hole 412 to receive the top washer308, which facilitates assembly as the external seat 414 aligns the topwasher 308 with an axis A4 of the top center hole 412. The top surface400 of the top wall 408 of the wheel portion 404 is generally smooth andincludes no pockets where water or particulate can accumulate. In otherwords, the top surface 400 of the top wall 408 is devoid of pockets toprevent material accumulation on the top surface 400.

Instead, the water runs off the top surface 400. It is noted that thetop surface does not include radially extending ribs, where, forexample, water can accumulate between adjacent radially extending ribsand the channel portion 406. However, it is further noted that somerecesses, ribs, or other protrusions could be positioned on the topsurface 400 as long as such recesses, ribs, or other protrusions do notform pockets where water or particulate can accumulate.

Referring to FIGS. 4C-4E, the interior surface 402 of the top wall 408of the wheel portion 404 includes an internal seat 416 surrounding thetop center hole 412, and a plurality of top internal ribs 418circumferentially positioned around and radially extending from theinternal seat 416. The top internal ribs 418 provides increased strengthand rigidity, however, positioning them at the interior surface 402 ofthe top body 300 avoids formation of pockets in the top surface 400 ofthe top body 300.

The internal seat 416 is configured to receive a top reinforcing washer302 to provide structural support and rigidity. In other words, the topreinforcing washer 302 is attached at an interior surface 402 of the topbody 300. The material of the top reinforcing washer 302 has a greaterstrength and rigidity than the material of the top body 300. Aspreviously noted, the wheel assembly 204 is mounted at the top centerhole 412, and the area around the top center hole 412 may be subject toincreased deflection and/or stress, leading to an increased likelihoodof structural damage or failure. The top reinforcing washer 302 providesincreased strength and rigidity around the top center hole 412 at themounting point of the wheel assembly 204, thereby decreasing thelikelihood of structural damage or failure. The top reinforcing washer302 includes a center hole 420 that aligns with the top center hole 412of the top wall 408. Further, the top reinforcing washer 302 includesone or more peripheral holes 422 (may also be referred to as secondaryholes). The top body 300 is made of plastic or non-metal material (alsomay be referred to as a first material), and the top reinforcing washer302 is made of a metal or metal material (also may be referred to as asecond material) and is positioned during the molding process such thata portion of the top body 300 integrally extends into at least one ofthe plurality of peripheral holes 422 in the top reinforcing washer 302,thereby maintaining position and preventing translation or rotation ofthe top reinforcing washer 302 around the top center hole 412 of the topwall 408 of the top body 300.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4G, the top body 300 further includes a pluralityof retainer clip mounts 424(1)-424(3) (referred to generally as retainerclip mount 424) circumferentially positioned along the peripheral wall410. Each retainer clip mount 424 is configured to pivotably mount oneof the plurality of retainer clips 306. Referring to FIGS. 4F-4G, eachretainer clip mount 424 includes a center portion 426 defining ahorizontal groove 428 to receive a portion of a retainer clip 306. A tab430 extends from a top of the center portion 426 into the horizontalgroove 428 to retain the portion of the retainer clip 306 within thehorizontal groove 428.

A first lateral wall 432A is positioned towards a first side of thecenter portion 426 and defines a first lateral gap 434A between thefirst lateral wall 432A and the center portion 426. Similarly, a secondlateral wall 432B is positioned towards a second side of the centerportion 426 and defines a second lateral gap 434B between the secondlateral wall 432B and the center portion 426. As explained in moredetail below, the lateral walls 432A, 432B prevent lateral movement ofthe retainer clip 306 and the lateral gaps 434A, 434B allow the retainerclip 306 to pivot from a locked state to an unlocked state while beingretained within the horizontal groove 428.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4E, the channel portion 406 of the top body 300defines a first port 436 at a first end of the channel portion 406 and asecond port 438 at a second end of the channel portion 406 (opposite thefirst port 436). The first port 436 at least partially defines the firstopening 216 of the angled channel 214 (see FIGS. 2A-2B) and the secondport 438 at least partially defines the second opening 218 of the angledchannel 214 (see FIGS. 2A-2B). A bend 440 is defined between the firstport 436 and the second port 438, such that the first port 436 isrotationally offset from the second port 438 by 90 degrees. However, incertain embodiments the angle of the rotational offset may be more orless than 90 degrees.

The channel portion 406 includes a peripheral edge 442 extending alongthe channel portion 406 between the first port 436 and the second port438. The peripheral edge 442 defines a plurality of counter bore hexholes 444 to receive a hex bolt therethrough to attach the top body 300to the housing bottom subassembly 206B. The counter bore hex holes 444prevent rotation of the hex bolt placed therein to facilitate assemblyand application of a nut onto the hex bolt.

The interior surface 402 of the top body 300 further defines a gasketgroove 446, which forms a general loop around the peripheral edges ofthe top body 300. In particular, the gasket groove 446 includes a wheelportion 448 extending along the peripheral wall 410 of the wheel portion404, a channel portion 450 extending along the peripheral edge 442 ofthe channel portion 406, a first channel portion 452 across the interiorsurface 402 of the channel portion 406 proximate the first port 436, anda second channel portion 454 across the interior surface 402 of thechannel portion 406 proximate the second port 438. The gasket groove 446is configured to receive the housing gasket 304 to form a seal betweenthe top body 300 and the housing bottom subassembly 208.

FIGS. 5A-5C are views of the housing gasket 304 of the housing topsubassembly 206 of FIG. 3. The housing gasket 304 is configured to bepositioned in the gasket groove 446 of the top body 300. The housinggasket 304 includes a wheel portion 500 generally sized and shapedconsistent with the periphery of the wheel portion 404 of the top body300, and a peripheral channel portion 502 generally sized and shapedconsistent with a periphery of the peripheral wall 410 of the top body300. The wheel portion 500 and the peripheral channel portion 502configured to form a seal between the top body 300 and the housingbottom subassembly 208.

The housing gasket 304 further includes a first inlet portion 504integrally connecting first ends of the wheel portion 500 and theperipheral channel portion 502, and a second inlet portion 506integrally connecting second ends of the wheel portion 500 and theperipheral channel portion 502. The first inlet portion 504 isconfigured to form a seal between the first port 436 of the channelportion 406 of the top body 300 and a top portion of a tube positionedin the first port 436.

In this way, the wheel portion 500 and the peripheral channel portion502 are positioned in the same plane as one another. The first inletportion 504 and the second inlet portion 506 extend perpendicularly fromthe wheel portion 500 and the peripheral channel portion 502. The firstinlet portion 504 rotationally offset from the second inlet portion 506.

FIGS. 6A-6C are views of a retainer clip 306 of the housing topsubassembly 206 of FIG. 3. As explained in more detail below, theretainer clip 306 provides for tool-less entry into the interior 208 ofthe chain disk corner 200. The retainer clip 306 includes a lever 600and a wire 602 rotatably attached to the lever 600.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, the lever 600 includes a grip end 604 and aninsertion end 606 opposite the grip end 604. The grip end 604 provides asurface for a user to rotate the lever, and the insertion end 606 isconfigured to engage a portion of the housing bottom subassembly 208.The lever 600 further includes a first hole 608A a second hole 608B (notshown) in lateral sides of the lever 600 to rotatably engage the wire602.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6C, the wire 602 forms a generally squareshape including a base 610 with a first leg 612A integrally extendingfrom a first end of the base 610 and a second leg 612B integrallyextending from a second end of the base 610 (and in the same directionas the first leg 612A. A first end 614A integrally extends inwardly froman end of the first leg 612A (opposite the base 610) and a second end614B integrally extends inwardly from an end of the second leg 612B(opposite the base 610). In this way, the first end 614A and the secondend 614B are axially aligned but separated from one another.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the first end 614A of the wire 602 is positionedwithin the first hole 608A of the lever 600, and the second 614B of thewire 602 is positioned within the second hole 608B (not shown) of thelever 600. In this way, the lever 600 and the wire 602 are pivotablyattached to one another. The base 610 of the wire 602 is configured tobe positioned in the horizontal groove 428 of the peripheral retainerclip mounts 424 of the top body 300, such that the wire 602 is rotatablymounted to the top body 300 (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of a housing bottomsubassembly 208 of FIGS. 2A-2C. The housing bottom subassembly 208includes a bottom body 700, a window 702 hingedly connected to thebottom body 700 by an L-shaped rod 703 to provide selective access tothe interior 208 of the chain disk corner 200. The L-shaped rod 703includes a long leg 704A and a short leg 704B perpendicular thereto. Thehousing bottom subassembly 208 further includes a bottom reinforcingwasher 705 (may also be referred to as a stiffening washer) and a windowgasket 706 positioned between the bottom body 700 and the window 702 toform a seal therebetween. The housing bottom subassembly 208 furtherincludes a first channel gasket 708 to create a seal between the bottombody 700 and an inlet tube (not shown) and a second channel gasket 710to create a seal between the bottom body 700 and an outlet tube (notshown). The housing bottom subassembly 208 further includes a firstchannel clamp 712 to engage and secure the inlet tube to the bottom body700 and a second channel clamp 714 to engage and secure the outlet tubeto the bottom body 700. The housing bottom subassembly 208 furtherincludes a bottom washer 716 and a bottom nut 718 to engage the wheelassembly 204, thereby mounting the wheel assembly 204 to the bottom body700 of the housing bottom subassembly 208.

The bottom body 700 is made of a first, opaque material. The window ismade of a second, translucent material. Note that translucent, at leastas used herein, comprises semi-transparent and transparent. Inparticular, as used herein, the term semi-transparent identifies objectsthat allow at least some light to pass through at least part of theobject and transparent identifies objects that allow substantially alllight to pass through all or part of the object. In some embodiments, atleast part of the body window is semi-transparent (e.g., translucent butnot transparent). The second translucent material has a greater strengthand rigidity than the first opaque material.

FIGS. 8A-8E are views of a bottom body 700 of the housing bottomsubassembly 208 of FIG. 7. The bottom body 700 includes a bottom surface800 (may also be referred to as an exterior surface) and an interiorsurface 802 (may also be referred to as a top surface) opposite to thebottom surface 800. The bottom body 700 further includes a primary wheelportion 804 which partially defines the wheel cavity 212 (see FIGS.2A-2C) and a channel portion 806 proximate the primary wheel portion 804which partially defines the angled channel 214 (see FIGS. 2A-2C).

The primary wheel portion 804 includes a bottom wall 808 with aperipheral wall 810 extending at least partially around the bottom wall808. In particular, the bottom wall 808 is at least partially surroundedby a combination of the channel portion 806 and the peripheral wall 810.The bottom wall 808 further defines a planar edge 812, such that theprimary wheel portion 804 only defines a portion of a circle. Further,the bottom wall 808 defines a bottom center hole 814 extending throughthe bottom wall 808 from the bottom surface 800 to the interior surface802. The bottom surface 800 defines an external seat 816 surrounding thebottom center hole 814 to receive the bottom washer 716, whichfacilitates assembly as the external seat 816 aligns the bottom washer716 with the bottom center hole 814. The interior surface 802 of thebottom wall 808 of the primary wheel portion 804 is generally smooth andincludes no pockets. In other words, the interior surface 802 of thebottom wall 808 does not include any pockets where water or particulatecan accumulate. Instead, the water runs off the bottom surface 800. Itis noted that the interior surface does not include internal ribs,thereby facilitating self-cleaning by the wheel assembly 204.

The interior surface 802 of the bottom wall 808 of the primary wheelportion 804 includes an internal seat 818 surrounding the bottom centerhole 814, and a plurality of bottom external ribs 820 circumferentiallypositioned around and radially extending from the internal seat 818. Thebottom external ribs 820 provide increased strength and rigidity. Theinternal seat 818 is configured to receive the bottom reinforcing washer705 to provide structural support and rigidity. As previously noted, thewheel assembly 204 is mounted at the bottom center hole 814, and thearea around the bottom center hole 814 may be subject to increaseddeflection and/or stress, leading to an increased likelihood ofstructural damage or failure. The bottom reinforcing washer 705 providesincreased strength and rigidity at the mounting point of the wheelassembly 204, thereby decreasing the likelihood of structural damage orfailure. The bottom reinforcing washer 705 includes a center hole 822that aligns with the bottom center hole 814 of the bottom wall 808.Further, the bottom reinforcing washer 705 includes one or moreperipheral holes 824 (may also be referred to as secondary holes). Thebottom body 700 is made of plastic or non-metal material (also may bereferred to as a first material), and the bottom reinforcing washer 705is made of a metal or metal material (also may be referred to as asecond material) and is positioned during the molding process such thata portion of the bottom body 700 integrally extends into at least one ofthe plurality of peripheral holes 824 in the bottom reinforcing washer705, thereby maintaining position and preventing rotation of the bottomreinforcing washer 705 around the bottom center hole 814 of the bottomwall 808 of the bottom body 700.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8E, the channel portion 806 of the bottom body 700defines a first port 826 at a first end of the channel portion 406 and asecond port 828 at a second end of the channel portion 806 (opposite thefirst port 826). The first port 826 at least partially defines the firstopening 216 of the angled channel 214 (see FIGS. 2A-2B) and the secondport 828 at least partially defines the second opening 218 of the angledchannel 214 (see FIGS. 2A-2B). A bend 830 is defined between the firstport 826 and the second port 828, such that the first port 826 isrotationally offset from the second port 828 by 90 degrees. However, incertain embodiments the angle of the rotational offset may be more orless than 90 degrees.

The channel portion 806 includes a peripheral edge 832 extending alongthe channel portion 806 between the first port 826 and the second port828. The peripheral edge 832 defines a plurality of holes 834 to receivea hex bolt therethrough to attach the top body 300 to the bottom body700.

The interior surface 802 of the bottom body 700 further defines a firstgasket groove 836 proximate the first port 826, and a second gasketgroove 838 proximate the second port 828. In particular, the firstchannel gasket 708 is positioned in the first gasket groove 836 and thesecond channel gasket 710 is positioned in the second gasket groove 838.

The bottom body 700 further includes a hinge connectors 842A, 842B formounting the window 702 of the housing bottom subassembly 208. Referringto FIG. 8E, the first hinge connector 842A and the second hingeconnector 842B are proximate the planar edge 812.

The first hinge connector 842A includes a medial support 844A and adistal support 846A with a gap 848A therebetween to receive a portion ofthe window 702. The medial support 844A defines a medial bore 850A andthe distal support 846A defines a distal bore 852A (aligned with themedial bore 850A), such that the L-shaped rod 703 can be positionedthrough the medial bore 850A and the distal bore 852A. A retainerstructure 854A defines a recess 856A to receive the L-shaped rod andprevent axial movement of the rod when positioned in the medial bore850A and the distal bore 852A.

The second hinge connector 842B includes a medial support 844B and adistal support 846B with a gap 848B therebetween to receive a portion ofthe window 702. The medial support 844B defines a medial bore 850B andthe distal support 846A defines a distal bore 852B (aligned with themedial bore 850B), such that the L-shaped rod 703 can be positionedthrough the medial bore 850B and the distal bore 852B. A retainerstructure 854B defines a recess 856A to receive the L-shaped rod andprevent axial movement of the rod when positioned in the medial bore850A and the distal bore 852A.

FIGS. 9A-9E are views of the window 702 of the housing bottomsubassembly 208 of FIG. 7. The window 702 includes an exterior surface900 (may also be referred to as a top surface) and an interior surface902 (may also be referred to as a bottom surface) opposite to theexterior surface 900. The window 702 further includes a secondary wheelportion 904 which partially defines the wheel cavity 212 (see FIGS.2A-2C).

The secondary wheel portion 904 includes a bottom wall 906 with aperipheral wall 908 extending at least partially around the bottom wall906. The bottom wall 906 further defines a planar edge 910, such thatthe primary wheel portion 804 only defines a portion of a circle. Theinterior surface 802 of the bottom wall 808 of the primary wheel portion804 is generally smooth and includes no pockets. In other words, theinterior surface 802 of the bottom wall 808 does not include any pocketswhere water or particulate can accumulate. It is noted that the interiorsurface does not include radially extending ribs, thereby facilitatingself-cleaning by the wheel assembly 204.

The window 702 further includes a plurality of retainer clip receptacles912(1)-912(3) (referred to generally as retainer clip receptacle 912)circumferentially positioned along the peripheral wall 908. Eachretainer clip receptacle 912 is configured to engage one of theplurality of retainer clips 306 (see FIGS. 6A-6C). In particular, eachretainer clip receptacle 912 includes a center portion 914 defining ahorizontal groove 916 to receive a portion of a retainer clip 306.

A first lateral wall 918A is positioned towards a first side of thecenter portion 914 and defines a first lateral gap 920A between thefirst lateral wall 918A and the center portion 914. Similarly, a secondlateral wall 918B is positioned towards a second side of the centerportion 914 and defines a second lateral gap 920B between the secondlateral wall 918B and the center portion 914. As explained in moredetail below, the lateral walls 918A, 918B prevent lateral movement ofthe retainer clip 306, and the lateral gaps 920A, 920B allow theretainer clip 306 to engage and disengage the horizontal groove 916 ofthe retainer clip receptacle 912. Each retainer clip receptacle 912 alsoincludes a lever stop 922 positioned next to the horizontal groove 916to retain the retainer clip 306 in locked state (may also be referred toas a closed orientation) and provide access for a user to move theretainer clip 306 to an unlocked state (may also be referred to as anopen position).

The window 702 further includes a first hinge connector 924A and asecond hinge connector 924B at the planar edge 910. The first hingeconnector 924A defines a first bore 926A and the second hinge connector924B defines a second bore 926B. In this way, the first hinge connector924A and the second hinge connector 924B engage the hinge connectors842A, 842B of the bottom body 700 (see FIG. 7). In particular, forexample, the first hinge connector 924A of the window 702 is positionedwithin gap 848A of the first hinge connector 842A of the bottom body700, and the first bore 926A of the first hinge connector 924A of thewindow 702 is aligned with the medial bore 850A of the medial support844A and the distal bore 852A of the distal support 846A to receive theL-shaped rod 703 therethrough.

The planar edge 910 of the window 702 further includes gasket groove 928including a bottom wall groove 930, a first peripheral groove 932A in afirst end of the peripheral wall 908 end extending from a first end ofthe bottom wall groove 930, and a second peripheral groove 932B in asecond end of the peripheral wall 908 extending from a second end of thebottom wall groove 930.

FIG. 10 is a window gasket 706 of the housing bottom subassembly of FIG.7. In particular, the window gasket 706 is positioned at the planar edge910 of the window 702 within the gasket groove 928. In particular, thewindow gasket 706 includes a base 934, a first leg 936A integrallyextending from a first end of the base 934, and a second leg 936Bintegrally extending from a second end of the base 934. The base 934 ispositioned within the bottom wall groove 930, the first leg 936Apositioned within the first peripheral groove 932A, and the second leg936B positioned within the second peripheral groove 932B. In this way,the window gasket 706 forms a seal between the bottom body 700 and thewindow 702 when the window 702 is in the closed position.

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a wheel assembly 204 of FIGS.2A-2C, and FIGS. 11B-11D are views of the wheel 1100 of the wheelassembly 204. Referring to FIG. 11A, the wheel assembly 204 includes awheel 1100 rotatably mounted to a threaded axle 1102 by a bearing 1104.The threaded axle 1102 extends through the top body 300 and the bottombody 700, where a top washer 308 and a top nut 310 secures a first endof the threaded axle 1102. A bottom washer 716 and a bottom nut 718secure a second end of the threaded axle 1102, thereby mounting thewheel assembly 204 to the housing 202 (see FIGS. 2A-2C).

The wheel 1100 defines a first side 1106A and a second side 1106B(opposite the first side 1106A). The wheel 1100 includes a central hub1108 defining a central axis A1, a plurality of spokes 1110(1)-1110(4)(may be referred to generally as spokes 1110) integrally extending fromthe central hub 1108, and a rim 1112 at an end of the spokes 1110,opposite the central hub 1108 and aligned with the central axis A11. Inother words, the plurality of spokes 1110 are positioned between andintegrally connect the central hub 1108 and the rim 1112. The rim 1112defines an interior 1114 (within the rim 1112) and an exterior 1116(outside the rim 1112) of the wheel 1100.

Referring to FIG. 11B, the central hub 1108 defines a center hole 1118configured to receive the bearing 1104 therein. Further, on the firstside 1106A, the central hub 1108 further includes a top recessed surface1120A and a top extended surface 1122A, both perpendicular to thecentral axis A11. The top extended surface 1122A extends farther alongthe central axis A11 than the top recessed surface 1120A to provide asweeping surface to self-clean the interior 1114 of the wheel 1100. Inparticular, the top extended surface 1122A forms a top teardrop sweep1123A including a first top sweeping surface 1124A (may also be referredto as a first inverted sweeping surface) and a second top sweepingsurface 1126A (may also be referred to as a second inverted sweepingsurface) which intersect with each other at a point 1127A at a firstradius R1A (from the central axis A11). The first top sweeping surface1124A and the second top sweeping surface 1126A extend along the centralaxis A11 and are not aligned along a radius of the wheel 1100. In otherwords, the first top sweeping surface 1124A extends at least from thetop recessed surface 1120A to the top extended surface 1122A, or fromthe first side 1106A toward the second side 1106B.

In this way, for example, when the wheel assembly 204 (see FIGS. 2A-2C)is mounted within the housing bottom subassembly 206 (see FIGS. 2A-2C)such that the first side 1106A of the wheel 1100 is positioned proximatethe interior surface 802 (see FIG. 8A-8E) of the bottom body 700 (seeFIG. 7), the top extended surface 1108A of the central hub 1108 contactsthe interior surface 802 of the bottom body 700. As the wheel 1100rotates clockwise within the housing 202, any feed or other particulatewithin the first radius R1A is swept by the first sweeping surface to apoint beyond the first radius R1A. Similarly, when the wheel 1100rotates counter-clockwise within the housing 202, any feed or otherparticulate within the first radius R1A is swept by the second sweepingsurface to a point beyond the first radius R1A.

Referring to FIG. 11C, similarly, on the second side 1106B, the centralhub 1108 further includes a bottom recessed surface 1120B and a bottomextended surface 1122B, both perpendicular to the central axis A11. Thebottom extended surface 1122B extends farther along the central axis A11than the bottom recessed surface 1120B to provide a sweeping surface toself-clean the interior 1114 of the wheel 1100. In particular, thebottom extended surface 1122B forms a bottom teardrop sweep 1123Bincluding a first bottom sweeping surface 1124B (may also be referred toas a first upright sweeping surface) and a second bottom sweepingsurface 1126B (may also be referred to as a second upright sweepingsurface) which intersect with each other at a second radius R1B (fromthe central axis A11). The first bottom sweeping surface 1124B and thesecond bottom sweeping surface 1126B extend along the central axis A11and are not aligned along a radius of the wheel 1100. In other words,the first bottom sweeping surface 1124B extends at least from the bottomrecessed surface 1120B to the bottom extended surface 1122B, or from thesecond side 1106B toward the first side 1106A.

In this way, for example, when the wheel assembly 204 (see FIGS. 2A-2C)is mounted within the housing bottom subassembly 206 (see FIGS. 2A-2C)such that the second side 1106B of the wheel 1100 is positionedproximate the interior surface 802 (see FIG. 8A-8E) of the bottom body700 (see FIG. 7), the bottom extended surface 1122B of the central hub1108 contacts the interior surface 802 of the bottom body 700. As thewheel 1100 rotates clockwise within the housing 202, any feed or otherparticulate within the second radius R1B is swept by the first sweepingsurface to a point beyond the second radius R1B. Similarly, when thewheel 1100 rotates counter-clockwise within the housing 202, any feed orother particulate within the second radius R1B is swept by the secondsweeping surface to a point beyond the second radius R1B.

It is noted that top teardrop sweep 1123A is positioned as rotationallyoffset from the bottom teardrop sweep 1123B about the central axis A11.However, in other embodiments, the top teardrop sweep 1123A isrotationally aligned with the bottom teardrop sweep 1123B.

Referring to FIGS. 11B-11C, the plurality of spokes 1110 arerotationally spaced around the central hub 1108 by 90 degrees and defineinter apertures 1128 between each of the plurality of spokes 1110 toreduce weight and amount of material of the wheel 1100. Of course, moreor fewer spokes 1110 could be used.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 11B-11C, each spoke 1110 includes afirst rib 1130′ and a second rib 1130″ that extend between the centralhub 1108 and the rim 1112. The first rib 1130′ and second rib 1130″ areintegrally joined at a point 1131 at the rim 1112, are arcuate shaped,and define an intra aperture 1132 between the first rib 1130′, thesecond rib 1130″, and/or the central hub 1108 to reduce the weight andmaterial amount of the wheel 1100.

On the first side 1106A, some of the spokes 1110 (e.g., first rib 1130′and/or second rib 1130″) may include a top recessed surface 1134A, butat least one of the spokes 1110 (e.g., first rib 1130′ and/or second rib1130″) includes a top extended surface 1136A, where the top recessedsurface 1134A and the top extended surface 1136A are perpendicular tothe central axis A11. The top extended surface 1136A extends fartheralong the central axis A11 than the top recessed surface 1134A toprovide a sweeping surface to self-clean the interior 1114 of the wheel1100. In particular, on the first side 1106A, the first spoke 1110(1)(the first rib 1130′ and second rib 1130″) includes a top extendedsurface 1136A, and the second spoke 1110(2), third spoke 1110(3), andfourth spoke 1110(4) include a top recessed surface 1134A. It is notedthat more of the spokes 1110 could include a top extended surface 1136A.

Referring to FIG. 11C, similarly, on the second side 1106B, some of thespokes 1110 (e.g., first rib 1130′ and/or second rib 1130″) may includea bottom recessed surface 1134B, but at least one of the spokes 1110(e.g., first rib 1130′ and/or second rib 1130″) includes a bottomextended surface 1136B, where the bottom recessed surface 1134B and thebottom extended surface 1136B are perpendicular to the central axis A11.The bottom extended surface 1136B extends farther along the central axisA11 than the bottom recessed surface 1134B to provide a sweeping surfaceto self-clean the interior 1114 of the wheel 1100. In particular, on thesecond side 1106B, the second spoke 1110(2) (first rib 1130′ and secondrib 1130″) includes a bottom extended surface 1136B, and the first spoke1110(1), third spoke 1110(3), and fourth spoke 1110(4) include a bottomrecessed surface 1134B. It is noted that more of the spokes 1110 couldinclude a bottom extended surface 1136B.

Some of the spokes 1110 may include a top recessed surface 1134A and/ora bottom recessed surface 1134B, at least one of the spokes 1110includes a top extended surface 1136A and/or a bottom extended surface1136B.

Referring back to FIG. 11B, the first spoke 1110(1) includes a first rib1130′ having an inner end 1138′ at a first radius R2A′ and an outer end1140′ at a second radius R3A. The first radius R2A′ of the inner end1138′ of the first rib 1130′ is smaller than the first radius R1A of thepoint 1127A of the top teardrop sweep 1123A of the central hub 1108. Inother words, the first radius R1A overlaps the first radius R2A′, alongwith their associated rotational paths, to direct feed from the interior1114 to the exterior 1116 of the wheel 1100. The inner end 1138′ isrotationally offset (i.e., at a different radian from the central axisA11) from the outer end 1140′. In other words, the first rib 1130′ isnot aligned along a radius of the wheel 1100. As the first rib 1130′includes the top extended surface 1136A towards the first side 1106A(not a bottom extended surface 1136B towards the second side 1106B), thefirst rib 1130′ defines a top inner sweeping surface 1142A′ (may also bereferred to as an inverted sweeping surface) facing toward the centralaxis A11, and a top outer sweeping surface 1144A′ (may also be referredto as an inverted sweeping surface) facing away from the central axisA11. The first rib 1130′ is arcuate shaped (i.e., has an arc), such thatthe first rib 1130′ bows away from the central axis A11. Further, afirst top transition gap 1146A′ is defined between the inner end 1138′and the top extended surface 1122A of the central hub 1108 to directfeed outside the intra aperture 1132 of the spoke 1110(1) when rotatedin a first direction.

Similarly, the first spoke 1110(1) includes a second rib 1130″ having aninner end 1138″ at a first radius R2A″ and an outer end 1140″ at asecond radius R3A. The first radius R2A″ of the inner end 1138″ of thesecond rib 1130″ is smaller than the first radius R1A of the point 1127Aof the top teardrop sweep 1123A of the central hub 1108. In other words,the first radius R1A overlaps the first radius R2A″, along with theirassociated rotational paths, to direct feed from the interior 1114 tothe exterior 1116 of the wheel 1100. The inner end 1138″ is rotationallyoffset (i.e., at a different radian from the central axis A11) from theouter end 1140″. In other words, the second rib 1130″ is not alignedalong a radius of the wheel 1100. As the second rib 1130″ includes thetop extended surface 1136A towards the first side 1106A (not a bottomextended surface 1136B towards the second side 1106B), the second rib1130″ defines a top inner sweeping surface 1142A″ (may also be referredto as an inverted sweeping surface) facing toward the central axis A11,and a top outer sweeping surface 1144A″ (may also be referred to as aninverted sweeping surface) facing away from the central axis A11. Thesecond rib 1130″ is arcuate shaped (i.e., has an arc), such that thesecond rib 1130″ bows away from the central axis A11. Further, a secondtop transition gap 1146A″ is defined between the inner end 1138″ and thetop extended surface 1122A of the central hub 1108 to direct feedoutside the intra aperture 1132 of the spoke 1110(1) when rotated in asecond direction (opposite the first direction).

It is noted that the top teardrop sweep 1123A is rotationally offsetfrom the top extended surface 1136A of the first spoke 1110(1). In otherwords, the point 1127A of the top teardrop sweep 1123A is rotationallyoffset from the point 1131 of the top extended surface 1136A of thefirst and second ribs 1130′, 1130″ of the first spoke 1110(1). Asexplained in more detail below, this ensures a path for grain to movefrom the intra aperture 1132 of the first spoke 1110(1) to the exterior1116 of the wheel 1100.

Referring to FIG. 11C, the second spoke 1110(2) includes a first rib1130′ having an inner end 1138′ at a first radius R2B′ and an outer end1140′ at a second radius R3B. The first radius R2B′ of the inner end1138′ of the first rib 1130′ is smaller than the second radius R1B ofthe point 1127B of the bottom teardrop sweep 1123B of the central hub1108. In other words, the second radius R1B overlaps the first radiusR2B′, along with their associated rotational paths, to direct feed fromthe interior 1114 to the exterior 1116 of the wheel 1100. The inner end1138′ is rotationally offset (i.e., at a different radian from thecentral axis A11) from the outer end 1140′. In other words, the firstrib 1130′ is not aligned along a radius of the wheel 1100. As the firstrib 1130′ includes the bottom extended surface 1136B towards the secondside 1106B (not a top extended surface 1136A towards the first side1106A), the first rib 1130′ defines a bottom inner sweeping surface1142B′ (may also be referred to as an upright sweeping surface) facingtoward the central axis A11, and a bottom outer sweeping surface 1144B′(may also be referred to as an upright sweeping surface) facing awayfrom the central axis A11. The first rib 1130′ is arcuate shaped (i.e.,has an arc), such that the first rib 1130′ bows away from the centralaxis A11. Further, a first bottom transition gap 1146B′ is definedbetween the inner end 1138′ and the bottom extended surface 1122B of thecentral hub 1108 to direct feed outside the intra aperture 1132 of thespoke 1110(1) when rotated in a first direction.

Similarly, the second spoke 1110(2) includes a second rib 1130″ havingan inner end 1138″ at a first radius R2B″ and an outer end 1140″ at asecond radius R3B. The first radius R2B′ of the inner end 1138″ of thesecond rib 1130″ is smaller than the second radius R1B of the point1127B of the bottom teardrop sweep 1123B of the central hub 1108. Inother words, the second radius R1B overlaps the first radius R2A″, alongwith their associated rotational paths, to direct feed from the interior1114 to the exterior 1116 of the wheel 1100. The inner end 1138″ isrotationally offset (i.e., at a different radian from the central axisA11) from the outer end 1140″. In other words, the second rib 1130″ isnot aligned along a radius of the wheel 1100. As the second rib 1130″includes the bottom extended surface 1136B towards the second side 1106B(not a top extended surface 1136A towards the first side 1106A), thesecond rib 1130″ defines a bottom inner sweeping surface 1142B″ (mayalso be referred to as an upright sweeping surface) facing toward thecentral axis A11, and a bottom outer sweeping surface 1144B″ (may alsobe referred to as an upright sweeping surface) facing away from thecentral axis A11. The second rib 1130″ is arcuate shaped (i.e., has anarc), such that the second rib 1130″ bows away from the central axisA11. Further, a second bottom transition gap 1146B″ is defined betweenthe inner end 1138″ and the bottom extended surface 1122B of the centralhub 1108 to direct feed outside the intra aperture 1132 of the spoke1110(1) when rotated in a second direction (opposite the firstdirection).

It is noted that the bottom teardrop sweep 1123B is rotationally offsetfrom the bottom extended surface 1136B of the second spoke 1110(2). Inother words, the point 1127B of the bottom teardrop sweep 1123B isrotationally offset from the point 1131 of the bottom extended surface1136B of the first and second ribs 1130′, 1130″ of the second spoke1110(2). As explained in more detail below, this ensures a path forgrain to move from the intra aperture 1132 of the second spoke 1110(2)to the exterior 1116 of the wheel 1100.

It is noted that although the third and fourth spokes 1110(3), 1110(4)do not include any top extended surface 1136A, all of the spokes1110(1)-1110(4) are generally similarly shaped and may have generalrotational symmetry for even rotation of the wheel 1100.

Referring to FIGS. 11B and 11D, the rim 1112 includes a sidewall 1149and a first lip 1150A extending toward a first side 1106A. The first lip1150A prevents feed from entering the interior 1114 of the wheel 1100.The first lip 1150A defines a top passage 1152A proximate the point 1131of the first spoke 1110(1) to provide a path for feed to move from theinterior 1114 to the exterior 1116 of the wheel 1100. In other words,the first lip 1150A defines a top extended surface 1154A, and the toppassage 1152A defines a top recessed surface 1156A. The top extendedsurface 1154A of the rim 1112, the top extended surface 1136A of thefirst spoke 1110(1), and/or the top extended surface 1122A of thecentral hub 1108 may be generally coplanar with one another. The toprecessed surface 1156A of the rim 1112, the top recessed surface 1134Aof the spokes 1110, and/or the top recessed surface 1120A of the centralhub 1108 may also be generally coplanar with one another.

The first lip 1150A includes a first top bevel 1157A(1) defining a firstend of the top passage 1152A, and the first lip 1150A includes a secondtop bevel 1157A(2) defining a second end of the top passage 1152A.

Similarly, referring to FIGS. 11C and 11D, the rim 1112 includes asecond lip 1150B extending toward a second side 1106B. The second lip1150B prevents feed from entering the interior 1114 of the wheel 1100.The second lip 1150B defines a bottom passage 1152B proximate the point1131 of the second spoke 1110(2) to provide a path for feed to move fromthe interior 1114 to the exterior 1116 of the wheel 1100. In otherwords, the second lip 1150B defines a bottom extended surface 1154B andthe bottom passage 1152B defines a bottom recessed surface 1156B. Thebottom extended surface 1154B of the rim 1112, the bottom extendedsurface 1136B of the second spoke 1110(2), and/or the bottom extendedsurface 1122B of the central hub 1108 may be generally coplanar with oneanother. The bottom recessed surface 1156B of the rim 1112, the bottomrecessed surface 1134B of the spokes 1110, and/or the bottom recessedsurface 1120B of the central hub 1108 may also be generally coplanarwith one another.

The second lip 1150B includes a first bottom bevel 1157B(1) defining afirst end of the bottom passage 1152B, and the second lip 1150B includesa second bottom bevel 1157B(2) defining a second end of the bottompassage 1152B.

The bevels 1157A(1), 1157A(2), 1157B(1), 1157B(2) (may be referred togenerally as bevels 1157) increase the efficiency of removing feed fromthe interior 1114 to the exterior 1116 of the wheel 1100. Although incertain embodiments, the bevels 1157 are omitted. In certainembodiments, the wheel 1100 has a diameter D1 of 10.975 in. and the toppassage 1152A and/or the bottom passage 1152B have a first width W1(excluding the bevels 1157) between 2 and 4 in. (e.g., between 2.5 and3.5 in., etc.), and a second width W2 (including the bevels 1157)between 3 and 5.5 in. (e.g., between 3.5 and 5 in., between 4 and 4.5in., etc.). In particular, in certain embodiments, the wheel 1100 has adiameter D1 of 10.975 in. and the top passage 1152A and/or the bottompassage 1152B have a first width W1 of 3 in. (excluding the bevels 1157)and a second width W2 of 4.336 (including the bevels 1157). The widthsW1, W2 of the top and bottom passages 1152A, 1152B are dimensioned toincrease the efficiency of removing feed from the interior 1114 to theexterior 1116 of the wheel 1100.

FIGS. 12B and 12C are views illustrating assembly of the chain diskcorner 200, and of the chain disk corner 200 once assembled. FIG. 12A isan exploded top perspective view of the chain disk corner 102 of FIGS.2A-2C illustrating assembly of the chain disk corner 102, FIG. 12B is atop perspective assembled view of the chain disk corner 200 of FIG. 12A,and FIG. 12C is a bottom perspective view of the chain disk corner 200of FIG. 12A with the window 702 in a closed position.

In assembling the chain disk corner 102, the bottom body 700 of thehousing bottom subassembly 208 is pivotably attached to the window 702by aligning the bores 850A, 852A (see FIG. 8E) of the first hingeconnector 842A of the bottom body 700 and the bores 850B, 852B (see FIG.8E) of the second hinge connector 842B of the bottom body 700 with thefirst bore 926A (see FIGS. 9B-9D) of the first hinge connector 924A ofthe window 702 and the second bore 926B (see FIGS. 9B-9D) of the secondhinge connector 924B of the window 702, and inserting the long leg 704Aof the L-shaped rod 703 therethrough. The wheel assembly 204 is thenpositioned in the bottom housing subassembly 208, the threaded axle 1102of the wheel assembly 204 is inserted through the bottom center hole 814of the bottom body 700, and the bottom washer 716 and the bottom nut 718are attached to a bottom end of the threaded axle 1102. It is noted thatthe orientation of the wheel 1100 of the wheel assembly 204 does notmatter. The wheel 1100 is orientation independent and can operate andself-clean regardless of whether the first side 1106A or the second side1106B of the wheel 1100 is proximate the interior surface 802 of thebottom body 700. Further, the wheel 1100 is direction independent andcan operate and self-clean regardless of whether the wheel 1100 isrotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

The housing top subassembly 206 is then positioned over the housingbottom subassembly 208, thereby containing the wheel 1100 of the wheelassembly 204 within the housing 202 formed by the housing topsubassembly 206 and the housing bottom subassembly 208. The threadedaxle 1102 of the wheel assembly 204 is inserted through the top centerhole 412 of the top body 300, and the top washer 308 and the top nut 310are attached to a top end of the threaded axle 1102.

The counter bore hex holes 444 in the peripheral edge 442 of the topbody 300 are aligned with the holes 834 in the bottom body 700 and hexbolts 1200 are positioned therethrough. As noted above, the counter borehex holes 444 in the top body 300 are counter-bored to receive androtationally retain the hex bolts 1200 for ease of assembly as the nuts1202 are attached to the hex bolts 1200. The plurality of retainer clips306 of the housing top subassembly 206 releasably attach the top body300 to the window 702 for tool-less entry, as explained in more detailbelow. The housing gasket 304 of the housing top subassembly 206 iscompressed between the top body 300, the bottom body 700, and the window702. The footprint formed by the top body 300 is generally complementaryto the footprint formed by the combination of the bottom body 700 andthe window 702.

A tube may be inserted into the first opening 216 and the second opening218 before or after the top body 300 is attached to the bottom body 700and the window 702. After the tubes are positioned in the first opening216 and the second opening 218, the first channel clamp 712 and thesecond channel clamp 714 are positioned on the tubes and attached to thebottom body 700.

Referring to FIG. 12C, a user can view operation of the wheel 1100within the housing 202 through the window 702. Further, by having only aportion of the housing 202 transparent, the chain disk corner 200 isutilizes the stronger and more robust opaque materials.

It is noted that the L-shaped rod 703 may be inserted through the bores850A, 852A, the bores 850B, 852B, the first bore 926A, and the secondbore 926B from either direction. In either case, long leg 704A of theL-shaped rod 703 is rotated and the short leg 704B of the L-shaped rod703 is positioned in and retained either in the recess 856A of theretainer structure 854A of the first hinge connector 842A of the bottombody 700 or in the recess 856B of the retainer structure 854B of thesecond hinge connector 842B of the bottom body 700.

FIGS. 12D-12E are views illustrating self-cleaning of the wheel 1100when the wheel 1100 is in an inverted orientation within the chain diskcorner housing 202. FIG. 12D is a top view of the wheel 1100 of FIG. 12Aillustrating movement of a feed grain 1204 from an interior 1114 to anexterior 1116 of the wheel 1100 when the wheel 1100 is rotated in aclockwise direction (from the perspective of the top of the wheel 1100).In particular, the grain 1204 is initially positioned within the intraaperture 1132 of the first spoke 1110(1), and as the wheel 1100 rotatesin a clockwise direction, the grain 1204 contacts the top inner sweepingsurface 1142A′ of the first rib 1130′. As noted above, the first rib1130′ is not aligned along a radius of the wheel 1100. Accordingly, thisangled orientation and the arcuate surface, directs the grain 1204towards the inner end 1138′ of the first rib 1130′, until the grain 1204moves beyond the inner end 1138′ at the first radius R2A′. The secondtop sweeping surface 1126A then contacts the grain 1204. As similarlynoted above, the angled orientation directs the grain 1204 outwardbeyond the first radius R1A (which is greater than the first radiusR2A′). The grain 1204 moves underneath the top recessed surface 1134A ofthe other spokes 1110(2)-1110(4) and then contacts the top outersweeping surface 1144A″ of the second rib 1130″. As similarly notedabove, the angled orientation and arcuate surface directs the grain 1204outward beyond the point 1131 and through the top passage 1152A of therim 1112.

FIG. 12E is a top view of the wheel 1100 of FIG. 12A illustratingmovement of a feed grain 1204 from the interior 1114 to the exterior1116 of the wheel 1100 when the wheel 1100 is rotated in acounter-clockwise direction (from the perspective of the top of thewheel 1100). In particular, the grain 1204 is initially positionedwithin the intra aperture 1132 of the first spoke 1110(1), and as thewheel 1100 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, the grain 1204contacts the top inner sweeping surface 1142A″ of the second rib 1130″.As noted above, the second rib 1130″ is not aligned along a radius ofthe wheel 1100. Accordingly, this angled orientation and the arcuatesurface, directs the grain 1204 towards the inner end 1138″ of thesecond rib 1130″, until the grain 1204 moves beyond the inner end 1138″at the first radius R2A″. The first top sweeping surface 1124A thencontacts the grain 1204. As similarly noted above, the angledorientation directs the grain 1204 outward beyond the first radius R1A(which is greater than the first radius R2A″). The grain 1204 movesunderneath the top recessed surface 1134A of the other spokes1110(2)-1110(4) and then contacts the top outer sweeping surface 1144A′of the first rib 1130′. As similarly noted above, the angled orientationand arcuate surface directs the grain 1204 outward beyond the point 1131and through the top passage 1152A of the rim 1112.

It is noted that a similar self-cleaning path is formed on the secondside 1106B when the wheel 1100 is flipped within the housing 202.

FIG. 12F is a side view of the chain disk corner 200 of FIG. 12A withthe retainer clip 306 in a closed position. In particular, the insertionend 606 of the lever 600 is positioned within the horizontal groove 916of the retainer clip receptacle 912 of the window 702. The lever 600rests against the lever stop 922 of the window 702.

FIG. 12G is a side view of the chain disk corner 200 of FIG. 12A withthe retainer clip 306 in an open position. To move the retainer clip306, a user puts their finger underneath the retainer clip 306, andpulls the grip end 604 of the lever outward toward the user. Doing sorotates the lever 600, and also rotates the wire 602 within thehorizontal groove 428 of the retainer clip mount 424, until the lever600 disengages. Continued rotation of the wire 602 moves the lever 600further out of the way of the window 702.

FIG. 12H is a bottom perspective view of the chain disk corner 200 ofFIG. 12A with the window 702 in an open position. In particular, withthe retainer clips 306 disengaged, the window 702 can pivot relative tothe bottom body 700 to provide access to the interior 210 of the housing202, even during operation and rotation of the wheel 1100 within thehousing 202.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the embodiments set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theembodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the description and claims are not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications andvariations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wheel for a chain disk corner, comprising: acentral hub extending along a center axis, the central hub defining acentral hole to receive an axle therethrough to rotatably mount thewheel within the chain disk corner; a rim having a circular sidewall toroute a disk chain through the chain disk corner, the circular sidewallhaving a top edge and a bottom edge opposite the top edge, a portion ofthe bottom edge recessed to define at least one bottom passage in thecircular sidewall; and a plurality of spokes circumferentiallypositioned around the central hub, each of the plurality of spokeshaving an inner end connected to the central hub and an outer endconnected to the rim; wherein at least one of the plurality of spokesdefines a first upright sweeping surface and a second upright sweepingsurface opposite the first upright sweeping surface, the first uprightsweeping surface and the second upright sweeping surface configured tocontact material accumulated within the wheel at a bottom inner surfaceof the chain disk corner when the wheel is in an upright configuration;wherein the first upright sweeping surface is configured to direct thematerial through the at least one bottom passage outside the wheel asthe wheel rotates in a clockwise direction; and wherein the secondupright sweeping surface is configured to direct the material throughthe at least one bottom passage outside the wheel as the wheel rotatesin a counter-clockwise direction.
 2. The wheel of claim 1, wherein thecentral hub comprises a third upright sweeping surface and a fourthupright sweeping surface opposite the third upright sweeping surface,the third upright sweeping surface and the fourth upright sweepingsurface configured to contact the material accumulated within the wheelat the bottom inner surface of the chain disk corner when the wheel isin the upright configuration; at least a portion of the third uprightsweeping surface and the fourth upright sweeping surface radiallyextending to overlap with a sweeping path of the first upright sweepingsurface and the second upright sweeping surface; wherein the thirdupright sweeping surface is configured to direct the material into thesweeping path of the first upright sweeping surface as the wheel rotatesin the clockwise direction; and wherein the fourth upright sweepingsurface is configured to direct the material into the sweeping path ofthe second upright sweeping surface as the wheel rotates in thecounter-clockwise direction.
 3. The wheel of claim 1, wherein a portionof the top edge is recessed to define at least one top passage in thecircular sidewall.
 4. The wheel of claim 3, wherein at least one of theplurality of spokes defines a first inverted sweeping surface and asecond inverted sweeping surface opposite the first inverted sweepingsurface, the first inverted sweeping surface and the second invertedsweeping surface configured to contact the material accumulated withinthe wheel at the bottom inner surface of the chain disk corner when thewheel is in an inverted configuration such that the top edge ispositioned proximate the bottom inner surface; wherein the firstinverted sweeping surface is configured to direct the material throughthe at least one top passage outside the wheel as the wheel rotates inthe clockwise direction; and wherein the second inverted sweepingsurface is configured to direct the material through the at least onetop passage outside the wheel as the wheel rotates in thecounter-clockwise direction.
 5. The wheel of claim 4, wherein thecentral hub comprises a third upright sweeping surface and a fourthupright sweeping surface opposite the third upright sweeping surface,the third upright sweeping surface and the fourth upright sweepingsurface configured to contact the material accumulated within the wheelat the bottom inner surface of the chain disk corner when the wheel isin the upright configuration; at least a portion of the third uprightsweeping surface and the fourth upright sweeping surface radiallyextending to overlap with a sweeping path of the first upright sweepingsurface and the second upright sweeping surface; wherein the thirdupright sweeping surface is configured to direct the material into thesweeping path of the first upright sweeping surface as the wheel rotatesin the clockwise direction; and wherein the fourth upright sweepingsurface is configured to direct the material into the sweeping path ofthe second upright sweeping surface as the wheel rotates in thecounter-clockwise direction.
 6. The wheel of claim 5, wherein thecentral hub comprises a third inverted sweeping surface and a fourthinverted sweeping surface opposite the third inverted sweeping surface,the third inverted sweeping surface and the fourth inverted sweepingsurface configured to contact the material accumulated within the wheelat the bottom inner surface of the chain disk corner when the wheel isin the inverted configuration; at least a portion of the third invertedsweeping surface and the fourth inverted sweeping surface radiallyextending to overlap with a sweeping path of the first inverted sweepingsurface and the second inverted sweeping surface; wherein the thirdinverted sweeping surface is configured to direct the material into thesweeping path of the first inverted sweeping surface as the wheelrotates in the clockwise direction; and wherein the fourth invertedsweeping surface is configured to direct the material into the sweepingpath of the second inverted sweeping surface as the wheel rotates in thecounter-clockwise direction.
 7. The wheel of claim 1, wherein thecentral hub forms a teardrop sweep with a first point, the teardropsweep defining a third upright sweeping surface and a fourth uprightsweeping surface opposite the third upright sweeping surface, the thirdupright sweeping surface and the fourth upright sweeping surfaceconfigured to contact the material accumulated within the wheel at thebottom inner surface of the chain disk corner when the wheel is in theupright configuration.
 8. The wheel of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe plurality of spokes comprises a first rib and a second ribintegrally extending from the central hub and integrally connected toone another to form a point proximate the at least one bottom passage,the first rib and the second rib unaligned with a radius of the wheel.9. The wheel of claim 8, wherein the at least one bottom passagecomprises a single bottom passage; and wherein a first point formed bythe first rib and the second rib is aligned with a middle of the singlebottom passage.
 10. The wheel of claim 9, wherein a first outer surfaceof the first rib defines the first upright sweeping surface and a secondouter surface of the second rib defines the second upright sweepingsurface.
 11. The wheel of claim 10, wherein a first inner surface of thefirst rib defines a third upright sweeping surface and a second innersurface of the second rib defines a fourth upright sweeping surface;wherein the third upright sweeping surface is configured to direct thematerial out of an intra aperture defined between the first rib and thesecond rib when the wheel is in the upright configuration as the wheelrotates in the clockwise direction; and wherein the fourth uprightsweeping surface is configured to direct the material out of the intraaperture when the wheel is in the upright configuration as the wheelrotates in the counter-clockwise direction.
 12. The wheel of claim 11,wherein the central hub forms a teardrop sweep with a second point, theteardrop sweep defining a fifth upright sweeping surface and a sixthupright sweeping surface opposite the fifth upright sweeping surface,the fifth upright sweeping surface and the sixth upright sweepingsurface configured to contact the material accumulated within the wheelat the bottom inner surface of the chain disk corner when the wheel isin the upright configuration; wherein the fifth upright sweeping surfaceis configured to direct the material into a sweeping path of the firstupright sweeping surface as the wheel rotates in the clockwisedirection; and wherein the sixth upright sweeping surface is configuredto direct the material into a sweeping path of the second uprightsweeping surface as the wheel rotates in the counter-clockwisedirection.
 13. The wheel of claim 12, wherein the second point isrotationally offset from the first point about a central axis of thewheel.
 14. The wheel of claim 12, wherein the second point isrotationally offset from the first point by at least 90 degrees.
 15. Thewheel of claim 12, wherein the inner end of the first rib is at a firstradius; wherein the second point of the teardrop sweep of the centralhub is at a second radius; and wherein the first radius is smaller thanthe second radius.
 16. A wheel for a chain disk corner, comprising: acentral hub extending along a center axis, the central hub defining acentral hole to receive an axle therethrough to rotatably mount thewheel to the chain disk corner; a rim having a circular sidewall toroute a disk chain through the chain disk corner; and a plurality ofspokes circumferentially positioned around the central hub, each of theplurality of spokes having a proximal end connected to the central huband a second end connected to the rim; wherein the wheel is devoid ofmoving parts; and wherein the wheel is configured for bi-directionalradial self-cleaning by rotation around a central axis of the wheel. 17.The wheel of claim 16, wherein the wheel is configured for orientationindependent self-cleaning comprising bi-direction self-cleaning byrotation around the central axis when the wheel is in an uprightorientation, and bi-directional self-cleaning by rotation around thecentral axis when the wheel is in an inverted orientation.
 18. The wheelof claim 17, wherein a bottom lip of the wheel defines at least onefirst passage for self-cleaning in the upright orientation.
 19. Thewheel of claim 17, wherein a top lip of the wheel defines at least onesecond passage for self-cleaning in the inverted orientation.
 20. Thewheel of claim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality of spokesdefine an intra aperture; and wherein the wheel is configured to directmaterial from the intra aperture to an exterior of the wheel as thewheel rotates around the central axis.
 21. A chain disk corner,comprising: a chain disk corner housing comprising: a first bodycomprising a first wheel portion and a first channel proximate the firstwheel portion, the first body comprising a first material, the firstwheel portion defining a first center hole; a second body attached tothe first body, the second body comprising a second wheel portion and asecond channel proximate the second wheel portion, the second bodycomprising the first material, the first channel and the second channeltogether defining an angled channel for routing a disk chaintherethrough; and a first washer non-rotatably attached to a first innersurface of the first wheel portion about the first center hole, thefirst washer comprising a second material having greater strength andrigidity than the first material, the first washer configured toincrease a strength and rigidity around the first center hole; and awheel rotatably mounted and positioned within the first wheel portionand the second wheel portion to route the disk chain through the angledchannel.
 22. The chain disk corner of claim 21, wherein the first washercomprises a center hole and at least one peripheral hole offset from thecenter hole.
 23. The chain disk corner of claim 22, wherein the firstbody integrally extends from the first inner surface of the first bodyinto at least a portion of the at least one peripheral hole of the firstwasher.
 24. The chain disk corner of claim 21, wherein the firstmaterial comprises a non-metal material.
 25. The chain disk corner ofclaim 21, wherein the second material comprises a non-metal material.26. The chain disk corner of claim 21, wherein the first washercomprises a center hole and a plurality of peripheral holes offset fromand positioned around the center hole.
 27. The chain disk corner ofclaim 26, wherein an inner surface of the first body defines a seat, anda first reinforcing washer is positioned within the seat.
 28. The chaindisk corner of claim 27, wherein the first reinforcing washer isinsert-molded with the second body.
 29. The chain disk corner of claim21, wherein the second wheel portion defines a second center hole, anaxle positioned within and extending through the second center hole; andfurther comprising a second washer non-rotatably attached to a secondinner surface of the second wheel portion about the second center hole,the second washer comprising the second material, the second washerconfigured to increase a strength and rigidity around the second centerhole.
 30. The chain disk corner of claim 21, wherein the first wheelportion comprises a top surface devoid of pockets to prevent materialaccumulation on the top surface.
 31. The chain disk corner of claim 21,wherein an interior surface of the first wheel portion comprises a firstplurality of ribs.
 32. The chain disk corner of claim 31, wherein a topsurface of the first wheel portion is devoid of ribs.
 33. The chain diskcorner of claim 21, wherein a bottom surface of the second wheel portioncomprises a second plurality of ribs.
 34. The chain disk corner of claim21, wherein the first body comprises a top body and the second bodycomprises a bottom body; further comprising a window attached to thebottom body, the window comprising a translucent material to providevisual access to an interior of the chain disk corner housing; andwherein the first wheel portion of the top body is complementary in sizeand shape to a combination of (i) the second wheel portion of the bottombody and (ii) the window.
 35. The chain disk corner of claim 34, whereinan opaque material of the bottom body has greater strength and rigiditythan a translucent material of the window.
 36. The chain disk corner ofclaim 35, wherein a strength and rigidity of the opaque material isgreater than a strength and rigidity of the translucent material. 37.The chain disk corner of claim 34, wherein the window is selectivelymovable between a closed position and an open position during, andwithout interrupting, operation of the chain disk corner.
 38. The chaindisk corner of claim 37, further comprising a retainer clip toselectively retain the window in the closed position, wherein theretainer clip is moveable between a locked state and an unlocked stateto provide tool-less entry to an interior of the chain disk cornerhousing.
 39. The chain disk corner of claim 21, wherein the wheel isself-cleaning and devoid of moving parts.
 40. The chain disk corner ofclaim 39, wherein the self-cleaning of the wheel is orientationindependent and rotation independent.